Blog
Sean Codere
Laura Tsao
1st Grade and Music
My name is Laura Tsao, and I am so excited to be joining the Armis Dei staff this year! I have had a passion for music ever since taking my first piano lesson as a child. Since I also love working with children, I started to teach piano when I was sixteen. After many years of experience in playing and teaching piano, my love for music and for working with kids has grown. It is my hope to instill my love and appreciation for music into all of my students, and that each of them would grow in their love for God through music. I also have a great love for literature. Among my many favorite books are the works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein. I also enjoy baking, singing, and all kinds of art. Above all else, my goal in life is to serve the Lord and glorify Him in all that I do!
Mandi Vander Galien
4th, 5th, and 6th Grade
My name is Mandi Vander Galien, and I have been married to Jeremy for 22 years. We have eight delightful children and two grandchildren. God has blessed us beyond measure. My love for teaching began when I was very little when I taught anything and everything to my imaginary students. That love grew through my high school and college years leading me to pursue a degree in elementary education from UW-La Crosse. After five years in the classroom, I resigned to begin raising and teaching my kids at home. Whether it was teaching in a brick and mortar school or teaching my kids at home, I was thrilled with the God-given task of helping students reach their greatest, God-given potential. In my spare time, I enjoy all things sports (especially the Brewers and Hoosiers), digging in my perennial gardens, hospitality, and going on as many family trips as possible.
Bekka Codere
2nd and 3rd Grade
Hi there! I’m Bekka Codere. I have been married to my husband, Sean, since July 2010. We have three really fun, happy kids- Lila, Ezra and Lucy. We love the Lord. We are so thankful for the free gift of Jesus Christ and His astonishing work on the Cross for us. We live this life to bring Him glory and we praise Him for His goodness and sovereignty. We enjoy reading lots of family books. Our favorite series has been N.D. Wilson’s Ashtown Burials. We also love C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. I have been homeschooling my kids for the past five years. I have also taught children’s Sunday School classes, Awana lessons, Bible studies and women’s book studies. I am extremely excited to be a part of the Armis Dei teaching team. I love the classical approach to learning and that Armis Dei will adhere to the standard of God’s Word as absolute truth.
Ryan Schouweiler
Rhinelander, WI has been my home since 2013 where I work as a physical therapist. I am a husband, father of four boys, and a follower of Jesus Christ. My wife and I are members at Northwoods Baptist Church where I serve as a deacon. I have served on the Armis Dei school board since 2022 and have enjoyed seeing the students and families grow academically and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Jeremy Vander Galien
My wife Mandi and I have been a part of Armis Dei from the very beginning when we were meeting monthly to plan to open the school. My main calling is as a pastor at Pine Grove Community Church where I’ve served since 2015. God has blessed me with eight children (the three youngest attend Armis Dei) and three grandchildren. When I have spare minutes, I love to read, which is why I am so thankful to be a part of a school that sees the value in great books.